Question about when I can start maternity leave (EWC - 15)

[SpaceTrain]

I need to work out how the government rules re 15th week before the estimated week of childbirth are calculated.

If I am due on the 28th of April. So is 15th week before the EWC, just EWC - 15 weeks? And does it count back from the actual actual day in the week, or the start of the week you are due, or the start of the following week? (and if it is the start - would this be a Sunday or a Monday?)

I am probably not making much sense as I seem to have got myself all in a muddle, but if someone can tell me in clear, straightforward terms how to calculate exactly when "15th week before the EWC" is (going on due date of 28th April) then I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks

[llareggub]

Have a look here as you can type in your dates and it will tell you all you need to know!

[SpaceTrain]

Thanks. Although that site says you can take mat leave from EWC -11, which is different from what HR told me . No wonder HR weren't any more helpful when i probed them, as they don't even know the law.

The government site still doesn't clarify when the "beginning of the week" is - Sunday or Monday. I know one day doesn't make a difference, but if i can get off a Sunday shift (especially now as it seems like I have to work 4 weeks longer than planned) then I would like to!

[flowerybeanbag]

Beginning of a week is Sunday, and it is 11 weeks before not 15. 15 weeks before is the 'qualifying week' but you can't start leave until 11 weeks before.

[elkiedee]

Do you/will you have annual leave outstanding to take and when does your leave year run? That might help you finish sooner if that's what you want to do, though obviously if you need to go back it gives you less time after the baby's born to finish at 29 weeks.

[SpaceTrain]

Thanks for the confirmation flowery.

Elkie - I do have some annual leave. I might use that up - good idea.

[SpaceTrain]

Flowery - can I check one other thing with you please (just to make sure I am calculating correctly).

Due date is 28th April. Maternity policy states that enhanced maternity pay (i.e. salary for 3 months rather than just SMP) if I have "1 years service or over by the 15th week before the EWC"

I started work on 6th January 2008.

Due on 28th April 2009
Beginning of that week is Sunday 26th April, so....

EWC-1 = w/c 19th April
EWC-2 = w/c 12th April
EWC-3 = w/c 5th April
EWC-4 = w/c 29th March
EWC-5 = w/c 22nd March
EWC-6 = w/c 15th March
EWC-7 = w/c 8th March
EWC-8 = w/c 1st March
EWC-9 = w/c 22nd Feb
EWC-10 = w/c 15th Feb
EWC-11 = w/c 8th Feb
EWC-12 = w/c 1st Feb
EWC-13 = w/c 25th Jan
EWC-14 = w/c 18th Jan
EWC-15 = w/c 11th Jan
EWC-16 = w/c 4th Jan (week in which 1 years service date falls)

Therefore as my 1 years service date is EWC -16, I will be entitled to the enhanced mat pay? Yes?

Please reassure me I have calculated right!!

[flowerybeanbag]

Looks right to me!

[SpaceTrain]

Great! Seems my lucky accident was a well-timed lucky accident!

Thanks Flowery.

[flowerybeanbag]

No worries.

Don't know if you are planning to return to work, but most enhanced schemes will require you to do so for a set period of time to avoid paying back the enhanced portion. Just be sure you know the terms and conditions of your particular scheme.

[SpaceTrain]

Yes, I'll be returning to work. I just want to head off on mat leave as soon as I can as I am huge, swollen and in pain with SPD.

Thanks for the heads up though.